Relations between North Korea and US ally South Korea have been testy for decades but have grown even more tense since Yoon’s conservative government took over in May promising a tougher line with the northern rival.
North Korea has also been pressing on with the development of its weapons with numerous missile tests this year amid speculation it could test a nuclear weapon for a seventh time.
Earlier on Wednesday, South Korea’s defence ministry announced plans to spend 560 billion won (US$441.26 million) over the next five years to improve its defences against drones, including the development of an airborne laser weapon and a signal jammer.
South Korea will also expand its drone capabilities to three squadrons.
South Korea also aims to procure more stealth jets and ballistic missile submarines and to accelerate the development of systems to intercept rockets, the ministry said.
“We will strengthen our … retaliation capability to be able to destroy key facilities anywhere in North Korea in case of its nuclear attack or use of weapons of mass destruction,” the ministry said in a statement.
In total, the ministry aims to spend 331.4 trillion won (US$261 billion) on defence over the next five years, with an average annual increase of 6.8 per cent. This year’s budget stood at 54.6 trillion won.
Defence expenditures are subject to parliamentary approval.
